The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a significant step toward the 2027 general elections by submitting the names of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The party's national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced the development in a statement on Tuesday, June 30, confirming that the names have been uploaded to the INEC portal.
ADC's Preparations for 2027
Abdullahi described the move as a crucial part of the party's preparations for the 2027 elections. In his statement, he said: "This marks another important step in our preparations for the 2027 general election and our commitment to offer Nigerians a credible alternative built on competence, unity, and national renewal." The ADC aims to position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other opposition parties.
Atiku's Persistent Ambition
Atiku Abubakar, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has repeatedly vowed to unseat President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu defeated Atiku in the 2023 presidential election, while Amaechi lost to Tinubu during the APC presidential primary. Atiku's switch to the ADC signals a new political alignment ahead of the 2027 polls.
Public Reactions to the ADC Ticket
The announcement has sparked diverse reactions from Nigerians on social media. Chief DB. Damba commended the ADC, stating: "Whatever game the Atiku and Amaechi team is playing, I like it ... it's keeping everyone on their toes, especially those irritants who want to hear the official announcement, so they can begin to play down on the ticket. Keep this up Bolaji; may ADC succeed."
Oluwasegun expressed skepticism, suggesting that Atiku's candidacy would benefit Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC): "Atiku on the ballot is a blessing to Peter Obi; he will help us throw away some North East/ North West votes which APC would have taken advantage of, to perform magic numbers. And to those who may not know, this was why President Tinubu was trying to block Atiku on the ballot."
Dr Ben Ameh criticized Amaechi's acceptance of the vice-presidential slot, noting his earlier stance: "@BolajiADC, @ChibuikeAmaechi Politicians are all the same. Amaechi, who said he did not buy a form to become a vice presidential candidate and insisted it was the South's turn to produce the President, has now accepted the vice presidential slot. Politics never ceases to surprise."
Shareef Na'Ibawa expressed optimism, saying: "Congratulations to all Nigerians. We are going to be saved from hardship, the tax reform bill and many more, In Sha Allah. My vote and my family are for the AA movement."
Atiku's Criticism of Government
In related news, Atiku has accused President Tinubu of undermining democracy through plans to deregister the opposition NDC. He warned that reducing political competition threatens Nigeria's stability and governance ahead of the 2027 elections.
